Ron's rages are sincere and — according to his wife — healthily cathartic. But can these splenetic outbursts loosen the grip of capitalism at its most monstrous?
Bindlestiffs
SIMON PARSONS applauds an excellent production of Steinbeck’s Depression-era classic that sadly seems as relevant as ever
RESONANT: Simon Darwen as Slim and Tom McCall as George
[Mark Senior]
ANGUS REID considers the power of the podcast as a vehicle for consensus building in opposition to mainstream media narratives
GLENN FOSBRAEY recommends a biography worth reading for both existing George Michael fans and those yet to be converted
FRANCIS DEVINE introduces a new collection of essays that draws on Pease McKenna’s example to indicate future paths for the movement
KEVIN DONNELLY and MARIA DUARTE review Shoot the People, The Last One For The Road, Rosebush Pruning, and Moana
JAMES WALSH recommends an exceptional documentary about the experience of Western doctors in Gaza
Of Mice And Men
Birmingham Rep
STEINBECK’S 1937 novella, set during the 1930s Great Depression, has been brought to life by Birmingham Rep. The central pivotal relationship between savvy George and his childlike companion Lennie is explored with passion and sensitivity, but they are not the only outsiders failed by the American Dream in this excellent production.
Tom McCall’s George is a shrewd, migrant labourer just managing to stay afloat by drifting from farm to farm with his trusting friend. The two partners are vital to each other’s hopes. His outbursts of anger at Lennie’s inability to avoid trouble and grasp the realities of their life are diffused by a mantra-like vision of their shared future and tender physical moments that placate his distressed companion.
William Young’s own complex learning issues inform much of his moving portrayal of Lennie. This is no sentimentalised characterisation but a warm, gentle giant whose strength and confusion leads to his downfall.
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PETER MASON is gripped by a novel that confronts corporate callousness with those prepared to act to bring about change
MAYER WAKEFIELD is gripped by a production dives rapidly from champagne-quaffing slick to fraying motormouth